SeaBot Maritime and the University of Plymouth have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the start of a strategic partnership to advance innovation, research, and skills development in marine autonomy.
The partnership focuses on three key pillars: developing and delivering innovative training programmes; advancing research in autonomous maritime systems; and preparing the future workforce to lead in the use of intelligent maritime technologies.
It combines SeaBot Maritime's industry-leading expertise in maritime skills development with the University of Plymouth's world-class research and educational capabilities, which have helped its home city achieve UK Government recognition as the National Centre for Marine Autonomy.
Advancing knowledge through collaboration
Under the MoU, SeaBot Maritime and the University of Plymouth will deliver and develop both existing and new courses using the University's facilities from 2026, while creating additional learning modules and co-designing new jointly branded programmes. University staff will be trained to deliver SeaBot Maritime courses, and both organisations will explore joint funding opportunities to support training posts and collaborative projects.
The organisations will also collaborate on developing standards for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and integrate the SeaBot Maritime's MASS Remote Operator Certification into the University's course portfolio. Looking ahead, there is potential to develop a dedicated future skills training centre for marine autonomy, aimed at supporting the growing demand for specialist expertise in this rapidly evolving sector.
The MoU also sets the stage for collaborative research and funding initiatives at both national and international levels. The joint effort aims to advance academic and industry knowledge, inform the global maritime community, and open new avenues for commercial collaboration in the UK and abroad.
Research and training excellence
Both organisations are committed to pursuing additional initiatives that foster innovation, skills development, and excellence in training and research.
Commenting on the partnership, Gordon Meadow, CEO of SeaBot Maritime, said:
"Signing this MOU with the University of Plymouth marks a pivotal moment for the future of maritime autonomy in the UK. Having already built a strong foundation across the Solent region, this expansion to the South West enables us to connect two of the UK's most dynamic maritime innovation hubs. By opening access to our Remote USV Operator Training from Plymouth in 2026, we are creating a direct pathway for the next generation of operators, engineers and technologists to build the skills our sector urgently needs. This partnership is about more than training; it is about empowering a workforce that will lead the UK's transition into safe, intelligent and uncrewed maritime operations."
As an international leader in Flag State-recognised Remote USV Operator training, SeaBot Maritime has successfully trained maritime autonomy professionals in collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Marines. This expansion marks the next phase of growth for SeaBot Maritime and strengthens the network of autonomous maritime professionals across the UK.
The new collaboration with the University of Plymouth underscores a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and future skills excellence, reinforcing the UK's position as a global leader in autonomous and AI-enabled maritime technologies.
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